Prep101 - Free Writing Sample Feedback

[bored]

Visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.

 

Describe a specific situation in which visual images might not convey reality more accurately than words do. Discuss what you think determines whether or not visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.

 

 

It is often said that "an image is better than a thousand words". This is true in most cases when abstract things such as emotions are to be expressed. An artist feels that they can express their emotions by drawing a picture much better than by writing an essay. This is where this phrase comes from. The famous artist of the romantic era known has Vincent Woggle coined this phrase, and proved the fact by drawing a beautiful paining to express his feeling at the time. Drawing an image conveys much more than writing an essay when it comes to expressing abstract ideas such as emotions.

 

An Image however is not as good in other situations. A situation where one needs to rely on quantitative description is such a situation. When a person, for example, is following a lab manual to conduct an experiment. They need to know exact number of ingredients to mix, how much of a solution to dilute, which amount and how much minutes to wait for cooling or heating are all important information that a researcher needs to know to recreate an experiment. These information are much better conveyed in written form rather than images drawn to represent what to do. Because when it comes to science, knowing the correct quantities can make all the difference in whether the experiment works or not.

 

The decision to draw an image or to write an explicit essay is made by the person trying to convey that message. It is however, beneficial to draw an image when trying to convey an abstract message, such as an emotion. In these situation it is much preferred that the conveyor uses a visual image because this will often be able to say much more than a page of words will, and it will also be much more efficient at conveying the message because the reader will just need a glance to understand the message. On the other hand, it is better to use words and numbers when trying to convey a message that is specific in nature such as writing the method for an experiment where the exact amounts are necessary for a successful duplication of the experiment. The conveyor of the message therefore can decide what to do based on the type of message trying to convey.

 

__________________________________________________________________

Much thanks raymond

[donna71]

"Pictures say a thousand words" and the adage is true in some situations in that pictures or images provide more accurate information than words may convey. Take for instance the current Canadian case involving the murder of Tori Stafford at the hands of Rafferty and McClintock. As in any police investigation, testimony provided by witnesses provide some evidence or leads for police, but as with any witness information such verbal recollection is subject to inaccuracy and reinterpretation upon recall. However in any modern police investigation, video or photographic images provide a lot of concrete evidence for police that is more reliable than verbal recall may provide. Video images captured and showed that Stafford was indeed accompanied by McClintock and got into Rafferty's car, providing more solid evidence against the perpetrators compared to a witness who may have said that Tori was last seen with a lady in a white coat. The images are accurate because they are provided objectively, compared to the subjective words of a witness. Therefore visual images may be more accurate and reliable in a situation than words may be.

 

On the other hand, images may not always be accurate and may in fact be more misleading. Sometimes words are better at conveying accurate information than visual images may be. Several months ago a video on the internet went viral depicting a group of hooded and disguised teenagers physically attacking a lone Asian teen. The immediate response was disgust and accusations of a racially motivated attack against the lone male. However upon further investigation, it was found that the group's attack was an act of retaliation against the male who had previously attacked an individual in the same manner; this was not conveyed in the video images. Furthermore through verbal information, it was indicated that the attackers were also of Asian descent, eliminating the idea of the attack being racially motivated. Therefore, visual images are not always completely accurate in conveying the situation in question, and verbal information or words are better in doing so.

 

Visual images and verbal words are two different and complementary ways of conveying and receiving information, sometimes visual images are better at capturing the truth but at other times words are better suited. What determines whether visual or verbal information is more accurate than the other depends on whether the visual images provide concrete objective facts or speculation. If it is the case that the images can provide concrete, non-subjective facts, such as evidence in the Stafford case showing that Tori was present with McClintock, then visual images may be more accurate than verbal information. However if it is the case that the visual images provide speculation, such as the subjective pondering that non-Asian individuals were beneath the hoods in the viral video, then visual images may not convey reality as accurately as words may. Regardless, information should be collected from various sources including visual images and verbal information to be well rounded.

 

Thanks Raymond!

[KatMatt]

Prompt # 19 - Visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.

 

 

Modern society is rife with examples of images as communication, with the mass media and television news relying heavily on images to communicate important events and issues. While the media context has certainly hastened society's reliance on and expectation that images will tell stories, images have become central to our society primarily because they are such an effective communicative medium. News reel taken during the United States' war in Vietnam provide a heart-wrenching example of how images convey reality more accurately than words. Prior to this first "television war", ordinary Americans relied on second-hand stories alone to gain an understanding of what life inside a war zone is like. However, as images of bombs blanketing entire communities, mothers mourning for their lost children, and crippled American troops were broadcast or printed for ordinary Americans to see, the reality of war became clear to many people in a way that words and stories had never before allowed for. Indeed, many Americans were so outraged by the reality of the war, which they were seeing for the first time, that they became actively involved in protesting the US' involvement in Vietnam.

 

Despite the allure and ability of images to evoke an emotional response, they are not always the most effective way of communicating a message or situation. Indeed, carefully crafted poetry or prose are sometimes more effective than images in terms of communicating the reality of a time, place, or issue. English poetry written during the industrial revolution provides a poignant example of how language and/or literature can be used to create an enduring understanding of a bygone time and culture. Poets such as Wordsworth wrote of the conflict people of the time felt between the pastoral and the industrial lifestyles; as the conflict was internal, it could not have been captured or communicated as effectively with images.

 

Whether or not visual images convey reality more accurately than words do depends largely on what aspect of a reality one is trying to communicate: the impersonal/external/general, or the personal/internal/specific. Photographs or video of war, for example, go a long way in communicating the general reality and horrors of a conflict. However, while photographs and video may show highly personal moments of those involved in the conflict, they also provide an impersonal account of the conflict, in that images are most often captured by those uninvolved in the conflict itself, such as a journalist. In contrast, written first-person accounts of life during a conflict, such as the Diary of Anne Frank, provide an enduring record of one person's experience during a particular time or place. Indeed, while both images and words are effective media to convey reality, images provide more generalized and impersonal accounts, whereas words can offer insight into the personal, and specific.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

[DaKirbster]

Visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.

 

Describe a specific situation in which visual images might not convey reality more accurately than words do. Discuss what you think determines whether or not visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.

 

----

 

 

In every culture, community, and society, communication is an important part of day-to-day life. It allows people to interact and convey their thoughts and experiences to other human beings, and can be accomplished in a number of ways. Two key ways in which experiences are shared are by visual images and by words. Often, visual images are more able to convey reality more accurately than words can. There are some aspects of life that are difficult to put into words. For example, great works of art, such as Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, inspire awe and bewilderment in people across the world. It is difficult to capture and convey to another person the emotion felt when the Mona Lisa is seen; instead, it is more accurate to show them an image of the painting itself and allow them to experience it first hand. Not only are images able to convey abstract concepts, such as emotion and feelings, but images not limited to the language barrier that words are. After all, a picture is worth 1000 words.

 

However, there are some cases in which it is more appropriate to communicate by words than by images. This is the case when the idea requires specific detail in order to be properly conveyed. For example, science requires that the experimenters accurately describe their theories and results in their reports. This is accomplished by the use of words rather than images because other scientists must be able to exactly reproduce what the experimenters did, down to the last detail. Words allow the scientist to be explicit and specific in their detailed communication, which images would not be able to accomplish. A picture of an experiment might be nice to look, but is almost useless to another scientist who is trying to reproduce it without a properly worded description of the experiment's steps.

 

What determines whether images or words are more accurate depends on whether the communicator is trying to convey an idea that is abstract and vague, or something that requires an explicit description. A person's reaction to the Mona Lisa is best conveyed to another person by showing them an image of the Mona Lisa, since it a vague emotion that is difficult to put into words. On the other hand, a scientist's experiment must be conveyed through words rather than images to more accurately describe the specifics and the details of the experiment and its results. Often, communication is best achieved through multiple media, such as a mixture of words and images, but in any case it will rely mostly on one or the other to accurately convey its message.

[Que]

A common phrase is that a picture is worth a thousand words. Visual images are able to deliver general, objective information much more efficiently and accurately than words can. What would otherwise take sentences or even paragraphs to describe can often be simplified by a simple image. This can be easily demonstrated upon a visit to the local tourism agency where pictures of great get-aways in exotic locations are scattered across the office. The distributed flyers are also heavily ladden with images rather with verbal descriptions. The advertisers understand that visual images are much more efficient at depicting the desired destinations than using words that can be subjectively interpreted depending on one's past experience and current expectations. It would also be rather inconvenient and tedious to describe every single component of the location with words instead of a snapshot photo. Consequently, when the reality is objective and general such as landscapes, objects, or people's faces, visual images can reflect the reality much more accurately than words are able to.

 

Conversely, if the situation is ambiguous and can be interpreted subjectively without context, words are much better representations of reality than visual images. For example, an image of a child cryinging beside an enraged adult can be interpreted as child abuse or as a stern admonition for bad behaviour (e.g. bullying another child). Without context, the image can be interpreted differently and subjectively, thereby not reflecting the reality of the situation accurately. When there is room for biased interpretation, words are more accurate tools to reflect reality.

 

Thus, whether visual images are more accurate conveyers of reality than words depends on the subjective nature of the situation. If the predicament has room for misrepresentation, then words can provide a context that can dispel any ambiguity and are better suited for portraying the reality accurately. This is why court trials do not only use visual images as proof but also have supplemental testimonies and supporting reports to provide a context and specific details that images are unable to. On the other hand, if the situation can be objectively interpreted, such as tourism advertisements or pictures of individuals on dating websites, visual images are much better representations of reality than words are. Ultimately, the difference depends on the inherent nature of the reality that is depicted.

 

Thank you

[Neuro_07]

Visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.

The physiology of the human visual system is more complex than the other sensory systems. Thus, our visual perception is highly rich, and also the most effective mode of object recognition. So, it is important to realize that ideas or concepts are most accurately communicated via visual images, and not spoken or written words, which are subject to different interpretations depending on an individual’s reservoir of acquired knowledge. For instance, physicians mainly rely on photographs to convey the nature of an illness rather than verbal description. The most efficient way of conveying the characteristics of a tumour to a cancer patient is through visual images. Thus, it is crucial that we acknowledge the complexity and efficiency of the visual system, and use images rather than words to communicate reality more quickly and accurately.

 

However, visual images are not always the best mode to convey ideas correctly. For instance, when a patient suffering from depression wants to communicate his thoughts to the psychiatrist, it is better to rely on words than images. Depression is accompanied by complicated thoughts that are very abstract and thus, difficult to be presented through images. In this case, use of images can distort the reality. Hence, there are instances when communication of reality is better served by words than images.

 

In conclusion, it is evident that whether reality can be more accurately conveyed through images or words is determined by the abstractness of the concept or the idea that needs to be conveyed. A patient’s medical condition is fairly concrete and thus, can be more reliably presented using images than words. On the other hand, certain complicated thoughts, such as those of a clinically depressed person, are too abstract to be accurately communicated through images; and thus, words can convey reality more aptly in this case. Although visual images can communicate ideas more effectively than words, it is important to realize the limitations of this medium.

 

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate your cooperation.

[RaymondPrep101]

Prompt 19 Enviro_4_Medschool

 

Visual images have been used to convey a variety of ideas and sentiments about someone's view of the world. Since images can be abstract and have intangible aspects allowing for the expression of many ideas they can be viewed as reflecting reality. Moreover, the universal aspect of some images, such as a smiling face or devastation from bombing, can mirror reality in ways that everyone can relate to. This universality is useful in illiterate populations, populations in countries where they are not familiar with the language or early childhood where the images can still paint a reality and aid in the comprehension of the world. The accuracy of reality in simplistic images is that they can be mirrored in ways that reflect all realities ??and thus encompass aspects that are common to all realities in ways that a particular word choice or phrasing may be to constrained. This doesn't really make sense. Perhaps a concrete example would help. Also to these people to which written words have no meaning the visual image is the best representation of reality and could be considered the most accurate to those populations.

There are some ideas expressed here that are a bit confusing. The example lacks depth. Basically, you are arguing that visual images convey reality more accurately than words do when people cannot read which seems silly because it is obvious. That is like saying that words convey reality more accurately than visual images if the person is blind.

 

However, universal images tend to be somewhat abstract and simplistic and may not reflect the particular reality of a complicated situation. Furthermore, there are limitations in time and space because the image is a snapshot of a particular time and place. Words are another way in which a reality may be described and when strung together in sentences form more specific and intricate understandings of situations. Here the conveyance of reality is through logical statements that impart a perception of reality. Moreover, tangible elements and specifics about a situation can be reflected upon. Words can also express that which is intangible. The image may reflect a landscape, but the words describe the circumstances around that landscape. In this sense because the words have explained the purpose they have more accurately described the reality because they have imparted tangible and more complicated aspects that are not possible with the screenshot nature of an image. So while words may not always reflect universal realities in ways that can be understood by all they can provide more detailed and accurate descriptions of specific realities.

Everything is too vague. There is no solid and well-formed argument. The lack of an example to illustrate your point also really hurts the discussion.

 

For people who have no understanding of words, images are the only way to convey reality to them, as people progress and learn a language words can be used to describe reality with accuracy as well. Words and images can also complement each other to portray a reality in that the image could capture an intangible universal aspect, or highlight a specific aspect in time and space of a reality and the words could help clarify or impart a deeper meaning to the image that would can accurately depict the reality. This is not what the resolution task is looking for. The prompt instructions asks you when one is better than the other. Writing about how they can complement each other does not answer the question.. In the end it is probably not useful to depict one as being more accurate than the other since both are forms of expression and will convey a sense of reality.

 

Overall Mark: 1.5/6 (Corresponds to approximately a K)

Breakdown (out of 6):

Addresses tasks: 1.5 Supporting task is weakly addressed. Refuting task is weakly addressed. Resolution task is not addressed.

Depth: 2

Focus and coherence: 2.5

Grammar and vocabulary: 4.5

[DAJIEJIE]

 

much appreciated

 

-bump-

[sharpshooter]

Describe a specific situation in which visual images might not convey reality more accurately than words do. Discuss what you think determines whether or not visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.

It has been said many times that a picture is worth a thousand words. Pictures often illustrate reality more accurately than words do. Charities that want to help children suffering from poverty often have commercials on television to encourage individuals to donate to their charities. These charities usually show children suffering from poverty to illustrate the reality of what these children are suffering from. For example, I have seen commercials stating that many children suffer from starvation, while they show an image of children excessively underweight to the extent that you could see the ribs very clearly and they no longer appear like normal human beings. If the charities were to just write out what impoverished children suffer from, people who read the article would be not able understand the reality of their situation as accurately than they would from visual images of what they suffer from; they cannot see the true effects of what they suffer from just words. That is, individuals cannot see the effects (the reality) of starvation and malnutrition that these children suffer from by reading a description of these problems. Therefore, visual images illustrate reality more precisely than words do.

 

However, sometimes words convey reality more accurately than pictures do. For example, if one wanted to convey to others the reality of the difficulty of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), showing individuals pictures of the all preparatory books or a group of test takers would not illustrate the reality of the test more accurately than letting one read through some sample questions from each section of the test. If individuals were to just look at the pictures of the books, they cannot judge the difficulty of the questions; they could guess that the questions will be like their university exams in which they just have to memorize some facts and then recognize the correct answer in one of the multiple choices. However, in reality, successful test takers actually have to understand the concepts and apply them to novel situations; that is, just memorizing all the concepts on the MCAT will not ensure succes on the MCAT. Letting people read some sample MCAT questions, nonetheless, will convey to individuals the reality of the test; it will illustrate to them that it is more of a thinking test than a memory test similar to university exams.

 

Thus, pictures convey reality more accurately than words do when the visual images readily illustrate to individuals about the reality. For example, the pictures of children suffering from poverty readily convey the effects of starvation and malnutrition; these pictures illustrate the reality of their suffering more accurately than words do. However, pictures of preparatory books or people taking a test, such as the MCAT, do no readily illustrate the reality of the difficulty of the test. Sample questions, which uses words instead of visual images, would more accurately convey the reality of the test.

[RaymondPrep101]

Prompt 19 Nasket

 

There is reasoning word choice behind the philosophy, "a picture speaks a thousand words". Even as infants, we are born with the ability to recognize visual images. Visual imagery has been strong word choice wired into most mammalian species and is therefore more conducive to recognition and reality than modern day language. With words, it is common to perceive wrong meaning or miss out on critical details, but visual imagery capture grammar reality in its entirety. With present day technology, it is common for miscommunication to happen due to a email or text message being understood wrongly.

You have the beginnings of some good ideas. However, you don't take one idea and develop it fully into a strong argument. You should also have a specific example to help to illustrate your points.

 

There is reason, however, to also give credit to a human's higher learning order word choice which allows one to understand more than just what is seen. For instance, if a visual image shows a mother crying, one cannot immediately perceive if it is a mother crying over a loss of a dear one or if it is because her first born just said her/his first word. Words give humans the unique ability to convey hidden messages that visual images may hide. Visual images lack adjectives and adverbs that offer pivotal information about reality.

This is okay. The example is very general and you should aim for an example that has more depth. The discussion is also a bit sparse and could use some expansion.

As time goes on, one must be able to understand reality through a variety of media word choice. This is not a good opening for your resolution paragraph. As professionals, one should feel comfortable using visual information or words in order to comprehend reality. For example, a physician should be equally competent diagnosing a condition through an MRI, than if he/she had a case report. With proper care and attention, reality can be deciphered from the most primitive form of communication. Through time and experience, a human gains the ability to fine tune their ability to become receptive to their surroundings, and should be able to use all forms in order to paint out their reality.

This discussion does not address the refuting task: Discuss what you think determines whether or not visual images convey reality more accurately than words do.

 

Overall Mark: 2/6 (Corresponds to approximately a L )

Breakdown (out of 6):

Addresses tasks: 2 Supporting task is somewhat addressed. Refuting task is somewhat addressed. Resolution task is not addressed.

Depth: 2

Focus and coherence: 2.5

Grammar and vocabulary: 3.5

[RaymondPrep101]

Prompt 19 MusqMan

 

To evoke the information pertaining to an event towards another individual ??, it is often advantageous to avoid any biases that arise in the process of interpretation into language. For this sake word choice, it may be said that a description presented in an image provides a more detailed and uninterpreted version of the information. If a photojournalist's documentation of D-Day is considered, images would contain a visual depiction of the despair and sacrifice in the battle that is shown in the desolation of the beach and the scattered casualities. To describe this in words would be a subjective simplification and it would be difficult to provide the correct words that stimulate the same emotions as the image.

This example is okay.

 

Although the interpretation word choice of an image into words may introduce biases, words may be required as a communication tool to convey the information and prevent inaccuracies when the audience is not capable. Awkward phrasing. For instance, the complex event of global warming may not be easily understood by a non-expert, so a scientist may be required to explain the details of the situation and the important implications to the future of the earth. Since the scientist understands the important background information about the event and is able to assess the situation, he can use words to ensure that the audience reacts properly to the situation.

This example could work but it does not address why in this case words are more effective than visual images.

If reality must be described accurately, one must determine if the audience is capable to interpret grammar the information correctly. This is vague and ambiguous. In the case of global warming, one may be confused about the situation and may require an expert to provide a conversion into language such that the receiver properly understands the information. However in the case of an image of D-Day, the observer may already grasp the nature of the war and in this case the image is used to evoke more personalized emotions. We may very well live in the "information age", and it is through the proper use of our communication tools that we remain a functioning society.

Issues:

1) You want a resolution principle that is clear and not vague.

2) You should apply your principle to your supporting example and then your refuting example.

3) Your refuting example about global warming does not incorporate visual images into it and that weakness affects your resolution here.

 

The writing style needs improvement in some places.

 

Overall Mark: 3/6 (Corresponds to approximately a N )

Breakdown (out of 6):

Addresses tasks: 3 Supporting task is adequately addressed. Refuting task is somewhat addressed. Resolution task is weakly addressed.

Depth: 3

Focus and coherence: 2.5

Grammar and vocabulary: 3.5

[RaymondPrep101]

Prompt 19 Dasypus

 

In attempting to convey the nature of reality across a barrier of space or time to the absent other, people have two basic modes of communication available to them: visual and oral. Of course, these two modes are not exclusive of each other; yet usually a communication of the facts comes predominantly in one form or the other, with bare compementary support, as in the illustration of a newspaper article or the captioning of a photograph. Thus, it is reasonable to compare the merits of each mode against the other. Your introduction is a bit too long. Some of that time/energy could be better spent elsewhere. Some would argue that visual images are the more powerful and more accurate medium for portraying reality to the recipient. Certainly, in some circumstances, an image can have an impact that no written account can have. A particularly forceful example of this was the video coverage, much of it amateur, of the Japanese tsunami. The blackness of the water, the extraordinary force of its impact, its unrelenting rise: while journalists used such words, it seems that only once one has seen the footage that they bring the appropriate level of awe and horror. I get the idea but the grammar and writing style need to be improved to enhance clarity. It is the visual that can convey the true nature of the disaster.

This example works well. You should spend less energy on your introduction and spend more effort on elaborating upon your example.

Saying that the visual is always more accurate and more powerful than words is, however, a statement with more rhetorical force than accuracy. In many cases, no image can capture the reality of a situation, yet the telling by a well-informed observer can clearly convey to the reader or listener the facts and import of a situation. One strange and interesting example of this is the only existing photograph of one of the most curous and dangerous objects created during the Manhattan Project, the so-called Demon Core. In it, all one can see is a double hemisphere of metal, with a gap of perhaps a centimeter separating each half. It is only in the words of the two men killed by it that one discovers the nature and horror of the thing: each half is plutonium, and in the two cases that they were accidentally dropped together, a burst of radiation came forth that killed the unlucky scientist who knocked away their separation. By its very nature, this radiation is invisible, the power of the object un-photographable. It is only the story that can convey the reality.

The example is good and you started off well. However, the italicized portion was a let down. Basically, what is being argued is that words convey reality better when something is invisible and no visible image is possible. This is obvious and does not demonstrate complexity of thought.

 

What then determines when an image or a verbal account can more accurately convey reality? It seems that one simple, crucial distinction is the nature of the situation, what the reality that must be conveyed consists in. This is vague and ambiguous. You want your resolution principle to be clear and meaningful. This is far from simple. This statement is just a glorified way of saying "it depends" and that does not address the writing task. For those situations like the tsunami, where the question is one of scale or of physical effect, the mind boggles at mere description. Cases like this, in which the imaginations of absent viewers may be insufficient to recreate the reality, the image is the better medium. However, for those situations in which the reality is for some reason invisible, and it is only through an act of imagination that the reality can be understood, a verbal account is better. Note that this 'invisiblility' need not be so literal as the radiation from the 'Demon Core'. The emotions of others, the causal relationships between objects and events: these too must be recreated in the mind, since they cannot be presented in images. Thus, while the visual image has its place where imagination is insufficent for appreciation of reality, words have their place where imagination is not just sufficient but necessary to understand what the distant reality consists in.

Issues:

1) Your resolution principle is not clear and concrete. As a result, your contrast will not be clear.

2) Your explanations are vague and convoluted. For the resolution principle, you want simplicity. A simple and clear resolution is elegant and demonstrates complexity of reasoning. An analogy that can be used is a math problem. The most elegant solution is the simplest one.

Overall Mark: 3/6 (Corresponds to approximately a N )

Breakdown (out of 6):

Addresses tasks: 3 Supporting task is adequately addressed. Refuting task is somewhat addressed. Resolution task is weakly addressed.

Depth: 3

Focus and coherence: 3.5

Grammar and vocabulary: 4

[Dasypus]

Thank you for the feedback Raymond. I think I need to channel my inner Hemmingway.

[RaymondPrep101]

Prompt 19 qszwdxefc

 

“A picture means a thousand words.” The saying is actually "A picture is worth a thousand words." Many of us have heard this saying constantly being used, and this shows that the majority of humans prefer seeing visual images over reading words. This is different than what the prompt is looking for. One of the reasons is because these images are able to show what words have difficulty describing This is on-topic., such as emotion and detail. When I was a child, I remember coming back from a trip to Taiwan and immediately hearing my parents talk about the September 11 terrorist attacks. Although they did a very good job of describing to me what had happened, I felt that it was not a very severe problem and continued to enjoy my day. When I went home and turned on the TV, the terrorist attack was all that was covered in the news. As soon as I saw videos and pictures of the situation, I immediately felt nauseous and understood how serious the event was. The images of families crying over their loved ones and video clips of planes flying into the World Trade Centre causing huge infernos could never have been described to me using words with the same level of effectiveness. Even after my dad read some news articles to me in the following week, none of the reporters were able to describe the pain of those affected and the process of the attacks as well as that one news clip I watched on TV.

This example is very good. However, I would recommend taking out the personal stories since the writing sample is a formal essay. The discussion could be written from a non-personal perspective which would improve depth.

 

Although pictures are able to express many aspects of reality which are difficult to describe otherwise, many objects in computing are mysterious to those without knowledge in the subject area. For example, if one is shown a picture of a microchip without previous knowledge they would not know that this black rectangular square has the capability to perform millions of mathematical procedures per second. In this case, words would be able to convey reality more accurately since words are able to go above and beyond what is shown in the picture. Words are able to describe the microchip in terms of what it does, how it works, or even technical details such as processing speed. All of these would be difficult to describe using pictures since there is too much information beyond what is shown.

Very good.

 

Everyone’s experience throughout life is unique, and whether an individual is able to relate to the reality being shown based on past experiences is what determines if visual images convey reality more accurately than words do. This is vague and ambiguous. It is not clear and easy to apply. If one has experienced a similar situation before in their life, a visual image will allow them to relate to what the image is showing. For example, I was personally able to relate to the images of the September 11 terrorist attacks because I have cried and had personal belongings destroyed by fire before. This is not really convincing. It is hard to have belongings destroyed by fire but it is not really comparable to 9/11. On the other hand, words will allow people to learn about a new aspect of reality that they have not experienced before, such as microchips in computing.

The resolution paragraph is the weakest part of your essay. The resolution principle is not clear and the application was not convincing.

 

Overall Mark: 4/6 (Corresponds to approximately a P)

Breakdown (out of 6):

Addresses tasks: 4 Supporting task is well addressed. Refuting task is well addressed. Resolution task is weakly addressed.

Depth: 3.5

Focus and coherence: 3.5

Grammar and vocabulary: 4

[RaymondPrep101]

Prompt 19 bored

 

It is often said that "an image is better than a thousand words". The saying is actually "A picture is worth a thousand words." This is true in most cases when abstract things such as emotions are to be expressed. An artist feels that they can express their emotions by drawing a picture much better than by writing an essay. ?? Poets and writers are artists, I'm sure they would prefer writing. This is where this phrase comes from. Not really. The famous artist of the romantic era known has Vincent Woggle coined this phrase, and proved the fact by drawing a beautiful paining grammar to express his feeling at the time. Drawing an image conveys much more than writing an essay when it comes to expressing abstract ideas such as emotions. This is not convincing. Many people write to express their emotions.

Overall, the premise of the discussion is weak.

 

An Image however is not as good in other situations. A situation where one needs to rely on quantitative description is such a situation. When a person, for example, is following a lab manual to conduct an experiment. They need to know exact number grammar of ingredients to mix, how much of a solution to dilute, which amount and how much grammar minutes to wait for cooling or heating are all important information that a researcher needs to know to recreate an experiment. These information grammar are much better conveyed in written form rather than images drawn to represent what to do. Because when it comes to science, knowing the correct quantities can make all the difference in whether the experiment works or not.

This example works. However, there are several grammatical problems.

 

The decision to draw an image or to write an explicit word choice essay is made by the person trying to convey that message. It is however, beneficial to draw an image when trying to convey an abstract message, such as an emotion. In these situation it is much preferred that the conveyor uses a visual image because this will often be able to say much more than a page of words will, and it will also be much more efficient at conveying the message because the reader will just need a glance to understand the message. This is still not convincing. On the other hand, it is better to use words and numbers when trying to convey a message that is specific in nature such as writing the method for an experiment where the exact amounts are necessary for a successful duplication of the experiment. The conveyor of the message therefore can decide what to do based on the type of message trying grammar to convey.

You should lay out your resolution principle at the beginning of your resolution paragraph. The resolution here is good. However, the weakness of your supporting example comes back to affect you here.

 

Overall Mark: 3/6 (Corresponds to approximately a N )

Breakdown (out of 6):

Addresses tasks: 3.5 Supporting task is weakly addressed. Refuting task is adequately addressed. Resolution task is adequately addressed.

Depth: 3

Focus and coherence: 3.5

Grammar and vocabulary: 3

[medhopeful64]

It has often been said that the best artists are those that can capture the essence of the human experience. That is, they can capture the raw emotion and feelings of what it means to be a human, a creature than can reason and plan for the future. It is no wonder that such artists are deemed highly accomplished, for they must capture the human experience in one image. This is very difficult, and as such, many pieces of artwork are misinterpreted without further explanation by the artist. Take abstract art, for example. Many artists often try to capture the complexity of a human mind using complex geometric shapes or lines (ie abstract art). Other artists try to portray the realities of having a mental disorder in their artwork. For example, a few noteworthy artists have bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. They try to capture the realities of the disease in a single image but it is very difficult to do so without a written piece of work accompanying it. Thus, it can be argued here that visual images might not convey reality more accurately than words can. It is simply too difficult to portray in an image the experience of suffering from a delusion, or mania attack.

 

In other cases, visual images are arguably the best medium to convey reality accurately. Take a "build it yourself" manual for example. Let's suppose that an indvidual is trying to build a bike using the parts that arrived in a package. It is incredibly difficult to build a bike, or computer, or a similar piece of equipment involving many complicated parts, using just words alone. The manual is much more helpful to the consumer if it involves visual images (ie diagrams), to help the customer actually locate and piece together the appropriate parts. In this case, visual images convey the bike's final finished product much more accurately than words do. Thus, it is arguable that visual images are the best medium to convey reality accurately.

 

Both visual images and words are used to describe reality, whether it be to describe the human experience, or feeling or reason, or to describe how to assemble a product. In certain cases, visual images convey reality more accuratley than words, while in others, words convey reality much more accurately than images. The defining feature that determines whether or not visual images convey reality more accurately than words do depends on the subject matter that is being expressed, or being attempted to express. If the subject matter is abstract, involving things like emotions, then words describe reality much more accurately than words ever could. It is incredibly difficult to capture the realities of human emotion using just pictures because the human experience is so complex. However, if the subject matter involves practical or hands on material, then it is not a wide stretch to presume that visual images convey reality more accurately. The use of visual images in this case can indeed describe "a thousand words."

____________________

 

Thanks again Raymond. One question - I accidentally did the refuting paragraph first, and the supporting paragraph second. If I had time I would've changed it (I ran out of time here). On the real MCAT, how much would this cost me?

[blue181]

Two major forms of communication that exist are communication through the use of visual images, and communication through language and words. Both methods are used to try and record the reality that surrounds us, but each has its strengths and weaknesses in how accurately it manages to do so. Images can be said to represent reality more precisely because they are a direct translation of reality, while words are more abstract. For that reason, most textbooks often include images and diagrams to help students link the description written on the page with how the described subject actually appears in real life. For example, an anatomy textbook may write that the rectus femoris muscle originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine and inserts on the patella, but it may be difficult to extract from those words where the muscle is in reality. However, because pictures mimic reality more closely than words do, a diagram showing the muscles of the leg would make it easier for the student to relate what is on the page to where the muscle is located in real life.

 

However, as the popular saying goes, sometimes “there is more than meets the eye”. Sometimes the reality is more complicated than what a visual image is able to relate, because a picture can really only show the surface, and not the deeper, implied meanings. For example, the poison dart frogs that live in rainforests appear quite harmless. If a picture is shown to someone who has never encountered one before, it would be difficult for them to imagine how such tiny, beautifully coloured frogs could be dangerous. In reality, these small frogs excrete an extremely potent poison from their skin. So potent is their poison that some native tribes tip their arrows with it to help kill the much larger game they shoot. Though that information would not be obvious from simply looking at a visual image, a written or spoken explanation about the frog would be able to explain its true, poisonous nature quite clearly.

 

Overall, images can convey reality accurately because they mimic reality; they translate directly to how things appear in the world around us. While words may try to describe how an object appears, it can never be as accurate as a simple visual reproduction of the object. For that reason, many textbooks use visual pictures and diagrams to help students understand the reality of what the words are trying to explain. However, no matter how accurately an image can reproduce reality, it still only represents the surface; and some information cannot be obtained from just looking at an image. When something is more complex then it appears, like the small, colourful dart frogs of the rainforest that are actually extremely poisonous, words can offer a more accurate explanation than a visual image can.

 

Thank you very much Raymond!

[Dr.]

wheres the prompt

[Elham]

When one analyzes the ways of understanding our universe in the most effective way, one would soon realize the importance of visual learning. In fact, recent studies suggest that in order for a person to have a better understanding of her reality, one should consider the learning techniques that include drawing, which would most precisely allow the observer to interpret her surrounding. The importance of visual learning is highlighted at the earlier ages. For instance, many students like Maryam who attends a preschool program tend to struggle with the teaching approach that is primary based on written language. One reason behind this is that despite the exact definition of any words that can be find in dictionary, each and every word can have a very different meaning to the readers. In other words, words can have a very subjective meaning and each person can interpret them differently based on their experience. In comparison, pictures, which are representation of our surrounding, are less likely to be subjective and thus have the ability to convey the information very clearly.

 

 

Although one may think of pictures and the use of visual images as the most effective way of learning in childhood, one should not make a simple assumption that visual learning is the most effective way of learning at all ages or in all fields. For instance, at the post secondary level, the importance of language and the use of words can be considered as one of the most essential tools for conveying the information to others. For instance, for Mehri, who studies physics at the University of Victoria and is in her last year of her PHD degree, using the words to present her work to scientific community would be essential. That is in order to defend her thesis she has to present her research in the form of writing, as at this level of complexity of subject, presenting her work by visual image would make her work impossible to understand for others.

 

Thus, age and the level of education are the important factors in determining whether the visual image or the words are the most effective way in understanding our surrounding. At the young age, students like Mayram who just started to learn about the universe the visual approach would be the best. On the other hand, for students like Mehri who are trying to convey sophisticated information, the language and the use of words would be the best approach, which would allow for easier interpretation of her work.

 

Thank you Raymond, I truly appreciate it.